Jackson McChesney
Last year Tyler Allgeier was a do everything kind of running back. He could be used in short yard power runs, outside runs, read options, and just about everything else. While the verdict is still not out for Christopher Brooks, it appears at least early on that the Cougars may be a running back by committee kind of offense.
With that, we’ve already seen what Lopini Katoa can do. He can make a guy miss, but he isn’t extremely dependable to get tough yards. Last season, Katoa averaged only four yards per rush, significantly less than the 5.8 that Allegeir averaged.
Again, I think that Katoa will be utilized and is a great backup, but I believe that McChesney is going to be a 500 yard back this year. In his limited playing time (50 rushes in his career), McChesney has averaged 7.8 yards per carry, including 4.6 last season. And he always fell forward, crucial for the short yardage game.
My prediction is that Brooks will be primary back with Katoa coming in and getting backup reps for the outside game and McChesney will come in for the tough running that would give a lot of wear and tare on Brooks.